Demulcent

Diaphoretic

an agent, taken internally to promote sweating (also called sudorific).

Diuretic

an agent that promotes urine production and flow.

Emetic

a substance that induces vomiting.

Emmenogogue

an agent, taken internally, to promote menstrual flow.

Emollient

an externally applied agent that softens or soothes skin.

Essential oil

any of a class of volatile oils that impart the characteristic odors of plants; used especially in perfumes, food flavorings and aromatherapy; also called volatile oil.

Expectorant

an agent that increases bronchial secretions and facilitates their expulsion through coughing, spitting or sneezing.

Extract

a concentrate, made by steeping raw plant material(s) in solvent (alcohol and/or water), after which the solvent is allowed to evaporate.

Febrifuge

an agent that reduces fever (also called an antipyretic).

Flatulence

gas in the stomach or intestines.

Fluid extract

a liquid extract of raw plant material(s), usually of a concentration ratio of 1 part raw herb to 1 part solvent (1:1).

Fomentation

application of a warm and moist cloth, soaked in an infusion or decoction, as treatment.

Galactogogue

an agent that increases secretion of milk (synonym for lactagogue).

Galenical

herb and other vegetable drugs as distinguished from mineral or chemical remedies; crude drugs and the tinctures, decoctions, and other preparations made from them, as distinguished from the alkaloids and other active principles.

Glycoside

esters containing a sugar component (glycol) and a nonsugar (aglycone) component attached via oxygen or nitrogen bond; hydrolysis of a glycoside yields one or more sugars.

Hemostatic

an agent used to stop internal bleeding.

Herb

plant or part of a plant used for medicinal, taste or aromatic purposes.

Humectant

a substance used to obtain a moistening effect.

Hygroscopic

a substance that readily attracts and retains water.

Infusion

tea made by steeping herb(s) in hot water.

Lactagogue

an agent that increases secretion of milk (synonym for galactogogue).

Laxative

a substance that promotes bowel movements.

Maceration

a process of softening tissues by soaking in liquid.

Mucilage

a gelatinous substance, containing proteins and polysaccharides, that soothes inflammation.

Mucilaginous

an agent characterized by a gummy or gelatinous consistency.

Nervine

an agent that calms nervousness, tension or excitement.

Oleoresin

a homogenous mixture of resin(s) and volatile oil(s).

Pharmacognosy

the study of the biochemistry and pharmacology of plant drugs, herbs, and spices.

Phlogistic

referring to inflammation or fever.

Poultice

a soft, moist mass applied to the skin to provide heat and moisture.

Purgative

a powerful agent used to relieve severe constipation (also called a cathartic).

Raw herb

the form of the plant, or plant parts, unchanged by processing other than separation of parts, drying or grinding.

Resin

any of several solid or semi-solid, flammable, natural organic substances soluble in organic solvents and not water; commonly formed in plant secretions; complex chemical mixtures of acrid resins, resin alcohols, resinol, tannols, esters, and resenes.

Rubefacient

an agent, applied to the skin, causing a local irritation and redness; for relief of internal pain.

Salve

an herbal preparation mixed in oil and thickened with bees wax applied to the skin.

Saponin

any of several surfactant glycosides that produce a soapy lather; found in plants.

Sedative

a substance that reduces nervous tension; usually stronger than a calmative.

Sialogogue

an agent that stimulates secretion of saliva.

Solid extract

an extract of plant material(s) made by removing the solvent from a fluid extract.

Soporific

a substance that induces sleep.

Stimulant

an agent that excites or quickens a process or activity of the body.

Stomachic

an agent that gives strength and tone to the stomach or stimulates the appetite by promoting digestive secretions.

Styptic

a substance that stops external bleeding (usually an astringent).

Sudorific

an agent, taken internally, to promote sweating (also called diaphoretic).

Tannin

a complex mixture of polyphenols; gives a color reaction to iron-containing substances.

Terpene

any of several isomeric hydrocarbons; most volatile oils consist primarily of terpenes.

Tincture

a solution prepared by steeping or soaking (maceration) plant materials in alcohol and water.

Tonic

a substance that invigorates or strengthens the system (also called adaptogen); tonics often act as stimulants or aleratives.

Vermifuge

a substance that expels or destroys intestinal worms (also called antihelmintic or anthelmintic).

Volatile oil

an odorous plant oil that evaporates readily; also called essential oil.

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